With such different priorities the lead bargainer could inflict headaches on its U.S. competitors.

FORBES: Magazine Article

As a buyer Thompson has earned a reputation for being a tough and patient bargainer.

FORBES: Lord of the Rigs

Economic overtures aside, however, Beijing is quickly gaining a global reputation as a no-nonsense bargainer where the internet is concerned.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Beijing strangles the internet

Many corporate governance campaigners contend that no CEO should have any involvement whatsoever, except as an adversarial bargainer, in determining his compensation.

FORBES: CEO Pay

Mr Casini, however, will be a tough bargainer and Mr Berlusconi's existing senior coalition partner, the Northern League, emerges stronger than ever.

BBC: Berlusconi survives, but Italy faces uncertain future

If a deal is signed, he will project himself to the middle-of-the-road voter as a tough bargainer who is also a pragmatist and statesman.

ECONOMIST: Israeli twists and turns

But Transneft, the pipeline operator, is proving a hard bargainer.

ECONOMIST: Chechnya